Genuine surprise flashed across the underboss's face at Himiko's question. It felt too suspiciously well-timed, given her recent audience with declan walsh. Lately she'd been smoothing over countless missteps invited by her Avatarship, beginning perhaps with hiding her Avatarship of Tapu Fini and ending with her secret alliance with MATIAS SILPH, whom she'd just agreed to help assassinate on Rocket's behalf.[break][break]

"It depends on the nature of the mistake," she said finally, weighing on how honest to be in her answer, "and the reasoning behind it."[break][break]

Her nails drummed restlessly against the cold warehouse floor, sharp and gleaming in the firelight.[break][break]

"But I think it is wise to always remember what power and influence you wield, and to know the limitations of both. Sometimes there is wisdom in being the first to shape your narrative. Other times, silence is the wiser course."[break][break]

She watched the little Salandit stretch out, becoming comfortable in the warmth of the crackling flames.[break][break]

"I keep people informed on what they need to know, but no more than that. There is value in having some secrets, too."[break][break]

Should strategically lying in places help protect her, she wasn't above that, either.[break][break]

"Why do you ask?"

[attr="class","ooc"] yamaguchi himiko[break][break]

[attr="class","pkmn"]

She was expecting something less official, but Himiko should have known better. There was very little in the way of possibilities that she could have done back home with that Druddigon. Now matter how much she tried to push it out of her mind, it would never leave.

A permanent mark on an otherwise spotless record.

Elisabeth's answer made her reconsider her decision that day. There was a lot that happened, and she could have been the first person to realize what had happened on her watch. She would never know at this point, and yet, she couldn't help but apply Elisabeth's answer to herself.

A million different scenarios played in her head, but only one would be there to face her when she stepped outside of her head.

It had been a few seconds since the underboss's answer as Himiko sat in silence. She didn't move or speak at all. A total focus inside of the maelstrom that was her mind attempting to put logic and reason together. She scoffed to herself.

"Nothing. Just some question that popped into my mind." Himiko deflected. "Do we need more fuel for the fire or something? You went last time, so I can go this round."

Elisabeth Fiorelli

☉

Elisabeth let herself relax in the lull in conversation, her eyes slipping shut for just a moment as the heat of the flames washed over her. She didn't intend to pry further, for her curiosity mostly manifested in wondering how the woman across from her would respond.[break][break]

Not saying anything was in a way of saying something, too. It acknowledged there were private thoughts swirling under the surface, unwilling to be revealed -- either to a superior, or otherwise.[break][break]

It confirmed that yamaguchi himiko was more than met the eye.[break][break]

A light 'ping' sound from the tablet at Elisabeth's side cut off her answer. Turning it over in her hands, her eyebrows raised slightly, and a smile creased her lips.[break][break]

"Seems there's no need. Rescue was able to be prioritized a little earlier."[break][break]

As if on cue, a rumbling noise indicated the hefty shoveling away of snow before the warehouse door creaked open, revealing a path out and the Rockets to thank for the intercession.[break][break]

Elisabeth rose to her feet, gesturing to her companion to join her.[break][break]

"Well, then. Shall we?"

[attr="class","ooc"] yamaguchi himiko[break][break]

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Rumbling came from outside of the building which caused Himiko to look over in interest. The slumbering Salandit was pushed awake while the two women had noted the appearance of their saving grace from spending a full 12 hours in this freezing little hellhole. Himiko had been thankful of not having to go scrounge around for any more firewood or anything, though wondered how it would appear to the next person to find this place. What story would be laid out for them to discover?

"Thank Arceus. I thought I was going to go mad in here."

The warehouse door let out a pained cry as the metal doors announced their opening with a high-pitched cry. A small group of Rocket personnel stood outside and chattered on the radio as they looked inside at the both of them. The Kanton stretched a little while recalling her Salandit back into its ball and crossing her arms over one another.

"Anyway, thanks for the talk and everything, Boss. It's been a pretty fun evening, aside from almost getting locked up. Although a night with you sounds like a fun time."

Just as quickly as the wall had been torn down, it had been rebuilt anew, if not stronger.

She nodded her head along with Elisabeth's invitation and followed the Underboss's path towards the entrance. Somehow, the colder temperatures felt a tad bit more welcome than they had before. SHe inhaled the harsh winter air and smiled to herself.

"Thank you for the lovely night, Boss."

Elisabeth Fiorelli

☉